Seven Sorrows ~ The Servite Chaplet
Interesting Bits & Pieces
This group of very rare medals and beads has a 3/4 Madonna, that is, the picture of the Sorrowful Mother is shown to just below the waist. Her hands are clasped in her lap, and she has a simple halo. The inscriptions say Mater Dolorosa, and there are 3 stars below the Madonna that may be a makers mark. The medals are stamped, with a border of raised lines on both sides.
The beads are Whitby Jet. There are, or rather were, tube spacers on both sides of all medals. Spacers and links are steel, not stainless, with some rust. All parts are original to the group.
Present in this group are: (1)The prophecy of Simeon, (2)The flight into Egypt, (3)The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple, (4)The Way of the Cross, ((6)The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross.
Stamped brass medals with a plain border on both sides. 'Portrait' style Madonna, meaning the Sorrowful Mother is shown to the waist or just above. Her hands are clasped, at her waist and she wears a simple halo. Much wear to the Madonna's, far more than on the Sorrows sides of the medals. The brass 'doubled-back' chains are original, rings were added by the author to join the grouping.
Present in this group are: (5)The Crucifixion, (6)The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross, (7)The burial of Jesus.
Standing Madonna, open arms with crown of seven stars. No inscriptions or other marks or stamps. The stamped brass medals have a plain raised border on both sides. Coiled spacers are brass. There are not beads or links. Coiled spacers are original, rings were added by the author to join the grouping.
Present in this group are: (2)The flight into Egypt, (3)The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple, (4)The Way of the Cross.
Stamped brass medal with a plain raised border on both sides. 'Portrait' style Madonna, hands clasped at her waist. She wears a simple halo. The inscription reads Mater Dolorosa, Ora Pro Nobis. No chain, links or beads. No stamps or other marks.
There is only one medal in this group, (3)The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple.
This brass medallion is probably stamped, but may be cast, as it's a bit thick for a stamped medal. Portrait style Madonna with clasped hands and a simple halo. The inscription reads Mater Dolorosa Priez Pour V.
The reverse shows the Sacred Hearts beneath an M surmounts by a cross, with a sunburst surrounded by 2 stars. Very similar to the reverse side of most Miraculous Medals.
This may not be a Seven Sorrows medallion at all, since it doesn't show the crucifixion as is most common. It may be a Five wounds medallion, or from some more obscure devotion. I've included it here because of it's representation of the Sorrowful Mother.
